“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” ~Philo of Alexandria

After 21 years of self-destructive inner-battles, I finally admitted my biggest secret to myself and to the rest of the world. That day, and the day my son was born, were the two most incredible and wonderful days of my life.

Here on Single Dad Laughing, I started what I call “The Truth Box.” I asked you all to anonymously share a difficult secret that you’ve never told anyone. There were only two sections to fill out on the form. “What everyone thinks is true,” and “what actually is true.” More than six thousand secrets were shared. Every month I try and share 30 of them here. Completely random and exactly as they came in.

These truths aren’t meant to entertain. They aren’t meant to bring us down, either. They’re just an incredible and poignant (though sometimes heavy) reminder that we all are fighting our own great battles.

30 (Completely Anonymous) Truth Box Confessions

(Click or tap each to see the other half of the confession.)

1 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”We’re not having a wedding party because we don’t want to hurt his family’s feelings they wouldn’t be in it.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”We don’t like anyone enough to have them stand with us, and we couldn’t afford it even if we did.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial” el_file1=””]

2 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That my mom and I will eventually mend our broken relationship.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”After I came out as an atheist she was awful to me. Called me names and tried to break up my family by saying untrue things about my husband. She’s a narcissist and I hate her.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

3 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That my life is so much better without my ex, that I left him willingly and that I would never take his broke, alcoholic ass back.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”No one will ever get me like he does, I still love him with all my heart.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

4 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”I’m the spoiled child and I get everything I want handed to me.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I work my butt off to earn every little thing because I never feel good enough or deserving. I have a hard time receiving help or gifts because I feel I "don’t deserve it"” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

6 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That it was a huge mistake for me to leave my loving ex.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”It’s the best decision that I could’ve ever made. He was mentally abusive for our entire marriage. Him starting to be like that with our oldest is what made me realize I was done.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

7 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That my husband and I are happy and everything is great between us.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I am not happy! He is a pathological liar and has lied to me about emailing men and women to set up meetings and never show up! He gets his jollies from disappointing people!” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

8 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”I’m still a virgin because I want to wait until marriage.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I’m still a virgin because I really do not want kids so I’m saving myself until 25 (the legal age to have your tubes tied in my state).” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

9 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”I am young and already have a house, a car and a job. I have it figured out!” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I didn’t earn them and feel ashamed instead of grateful. Depression makes it hard for me find a better job, I’ve no purpose and have never been in a relationship. I feel alone and lost.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

11 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”Everyone thinks I graduated top of my class and nothing was ever wrong.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I was 4 months pregnant at my high school graduation but ended up miscarrying 4 weeks after graduation. Only my best friend in high school knows the truth still to this day.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

12 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That I am over my late husband’s death and am fully functional becaue I see a shrink once a week and gay guys can just move on with no problem.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I cry every night that I get into bed alone so more often than not I sleep on the couch with the dog because I can’t take the pain of him being gone.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

13 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”I had an emotional affair and then left my emotional void of a husband so I could be with the love of my life. We have a fairytale romance.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I am really only in it for the sex but I am settling because divorce made me afraid to be single. He suffocates me. I don’t think I am capable of loving anyone.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

14 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”I gained all the weight back because I injured myself and got too busy and generally fell off the wagon.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I think I might be bi-polar and lost the weight during a series of manic episodes. I’m not officially diagnosed because I can’t afford to see a therapist.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

15 of 30

[TS-VCSC-Content-Flip flip_effect_style1=”vertical” flip_effect_speed=”fast” front_title=”What everyone thinks is true:” front_wrapper=”h3″ font_fronttitle_family=”Default:regular” front_content=”That I have everything together as a wife and mother.” font_frontcontent_family=”Default:regular” back_title=”What actually is true:” back_wrapper=”h3″ font_backtitle_family=”Default:regular” back_content=”I don’t know who I am anymore. I’m depressed, angry and lost. My husband and children are wonderful and I give them my all but somewhere along the way I forgot/lost who I was.” font_backcontent_family=”Default:regular” flip_border_type=”solid” flip_border_thick=”6″ front_icon_frame_type=”solid” front_color=”#3a3a3a” front_color_title=”#7a7a7a” front_background=”#efefef” flip_border_color_front=”#d6d6d6″ back_color=”#3a3a3a” back_color_title=”#636363″ back_background=”#d6d6d6″ flip_border_color_back=”#efefef” el_class=”TruthBoxFlipBoxOfficial”]

Dan Pearce is an American-born author, app developer, photographer, and artist. This blog, Single Dad Laughing, is what he's most known for, with more than 2 million daily subscribers as of 2017. Pearce writes mostly humorous and introspective works, as well as his musings which span from fatherhood, to dating, to life, to the people and dynamics of society. Single Dad Laughing is much more than a blog. It's an incredible community of people just being real and awesome together!